From the author of The Bride Test comes a romance novel hailed as one of The Washington Post’s 50 Notable Works of Fiction in 2018 and one of Amazon’s Top 100 Books of 2018!“This is such a fun read and it’s also quite original and sexy and sensitive.”—Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author “Hoang’s writing bursts from the page.”—BuzzfeedA heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves … page.”—Buzzfeed
A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.
It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice—with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan—from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…
Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he’s making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic…
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This is one of those books that will stay with me for good. The characters, the chemistry, the story…they’re so fun and engaging and real. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Heart-warming and HOT! An original take on a favorite trope, with realistic, relatable characters. What an incredible debut by Helen Hoang!
A terrific read
The hype is real. The best part about TKQ highlights that it’s ok to be yourself…flawed, less than perfect (though exactly whose judging?), error-riddled or manic. It’s ok to be who you are because nobody’s perfect, and yet every human being is perfect in his or her own way.
Highly recommended.
I loved this book soooo much!!
Stella and Michael bowled me over with their logic, emotions, and desires. I was reading all the way up until our city fireworks show thinking, how appropriate when Stella and Michael finally had their “AHA!” moment!
Fantastic book and most definitely one of my top reads of 2018!!
5 ‘Love and economics’ Stars!
ARC kindly provided by the the publisher.
I know I just had to read this book. I had this feeling it would blew my mind and it absolutely did! After seeing so many good reviews about it, I had to see what all that raving was about and I am so happy to say this reached my expectations 100%. Guys, even more amazing, this is Helen Hoang’s debut novel and it’s the perfect romance novel. Get ready to fall in love with Helen’s writing and the unique characters she has created because Stella and Michael wll steal your heart completely!
The Kiss Quotient, as I said, is Helen’s debut novel and it belongs to the series with the same name. This is the exceptional love story between Stella Lane, a very sharp woman focused on her work as an econometrician and a woman who is very bad at relationships. Enter Michael Larsen, an escort with lots of secrets, very protective of the people he loves and the man that will change Stella’s perspective on relationships forever.
Going forward with Michael, she had to tread carefully. Everything about him pleased her. Not just his looks, but his patience and his kindness. He was good.
He was an obsession waiting to happen.
I love a smart romance. I love a story that grips me from the very start to the very end. I love complex and unique characters that present aspects I haven’t seen before in romance. I love a couple that cannot contain a beautiful connection. The Kiss Quotient has all of that and so much more. It’s one of the best books I have read this year and its originality will stay in my heart for a long time, along with all the wonderful characters Helen Hoang has introduced us to in this novel.
Lines were blurring, and he couldn’t distinguish his professional life from his personal life.
So, why is this a 5 star read for me? Besides the way the story flows, it is all because of the main characters. They are so deep, full of layers you’ll want to know all about and with a chemistry that will melt you from the inside out. Michael and Stella are the sweetest together, the special (and unconventional) relationship they have made my heart sing with happiness. Most of the time I had a huge of smile on my face because of the way these two interact with each other.
“You are my favorite puzzle.”
And what is even better is when you add all those emotions in the mix. Imagine how difficult it is for Michael to accept the feelings he has for his client. And also how difficult it is for Stella, the want she has to hide her Asperger’s from the man she loves because she is scared of his reaction. But when all that fear is left aside, when these two decide to fight for what they want, it was delightful to read. I am so happy this couple found each other and they get their happy ending. Gah, I loooooooved this book so much!
“Women buy underwear for the men they love. It’s economics. Data supports this claim.”
“Are you telling me you love me, Stella?”
Therefore, my rating for The Kiss Quotient is 5 STARS because it definitely is one of my top favorite reads of 2018. This brilliant debut novel just blew my mind. I loved everything about it and I can’t wait to read whatever Helen is writing next. I am so glad I decided to give this book a go! I am surely excited this is becoming a series because I am so curious about all the other characters. I do hope they get a story as amazing as this one because I can’t get over my love for Stella and Michael! Highly recommend this book to any romance lover!
Ever since reading the synopsis a few month ago I was intrigued, fascinated and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I’m a HUGE fan of everything unique, in this case it’s a heroine with Asperger’s. Not only did that pique my curiosity, it reminded me of one of my favorite books, The Rosie Project.
Helen Hoang’s debut novel was enchanting, sweet, romantic, and utterly heart-warming. I’m blown away by the author’s writing style, which was crisp, eloquent and impressive. Her writing was vibrant, and captivating. I loved the amount and detailed description of Vietnamese culture that was part of this book. Having such a diverse and lovable cast made this novel utterly endearing, not only but also by the wonderful main characters.
The story was incredibly well plotted and executed. Fresh, unique and interesting from beginning to end. There was nothing clique about this book. And that’s even more impressive since it was a debut novel.
I adored Stella. She was straight forward, blunt at times, fascinating, and adorable in her quest. And the way she melted into Michael was just the BEST. Whenever he touched her, hugged her, or cuddled her, she melted into a boneless heap. I couldn’t prevent myself from smiling from ear to ear. I loved how Stella only cared about Michael as a person. She had no false perceptions or prejudice about him.
And Michael, OMG, he was swoony. Not in your face all alpha swoony, rather understated, and because of that he was even more devastatingly handsome in the way he treated Stella, and his family. His personality was just beautiful. He was honestly THE perfect man. And WOWZER – let’s not forget about that gorgeous tattoo. I couldn’t have kept my hands to myself either – kudos to Stella.
This book is a definite recommendation.
A sweet love-story, the author called it a gender-swapped Pretty Woman, with a wonderful main couple and a wonderful and heart-warming and very personal backstory. I can’t wait to read book 2 – The Bride Test – which will be released in January of 2019.
Sometimes you stumble on a new author that not only writes beautifully but brings to light a condition many live with. Something that you may or may not be familiar with but is so well done it opens your eyes and makes you want to shake the hand of said author and say “thank you”. Thank you for your words. Thank you for opening my eyes. Or maybe thank you for putting into words how I feel on a daily basis with the promise that yes there is someone out there who will understand you and accept you for you. The Kiss Quotient is that book. Author Helen Hoang is that author. If she’s new to you like she was me, you’re about to embark on an original story told from the heart with such passion and empathy you can’t help but fall, not only for the characters but for the author herself. You can truly see she is writing from her soul when creating these characters. They were meant to be put to paper for all the world to read and Hoang performed that task flawlessly.
I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like this before. The condition Stella lives with is one I’m not personally familiar with. However, Hoang’s seamless depiction of the struggles that people like Stella deal with on a daily basis was eye-opening. I truly empathized and fell in love with Stella. Yes, she may have her idiosyncrasies that those around her don’t understand. But she is also a brilliant strong and independent woman that I found myself completely and totally immersed in. I found her to be such a beautiful character that deserves all the love understanding and passion that she’s looking for.
Michael Phan is everything a girl wants. In real life and in her romance novels. He’s an amazing character that is sure to sweep you off your feet. But I have to say It’s not just the hero and heroine that make this novel. The realism that Michael’s family delivers to this novel makes you feel as if you are one of them. You hurt when they hurt, you laugh with their crazy antics and you feel as if you are one of them. These characters and their personalities added so much more heart to this story it was the perfect touch to truly bring this story home for the reader.
Swoon-worthy romance to make your heart melt
Steamy passion that makes your kindle sizzle
and the girly bits tingle
Characters that leap off the pages and burrow into your heart
I hope that you make this an instant click. This was really hard to keep spoiler free but that’s the way I went in and regret nothing. I got to truly enjoy the book as the author intended. If you really need more info, check out the blurb but I beseech you… jump into this story and let the author sweep you away the way I was. You will not regret it!
Thanks to Berkley Romance for a paperback ARC copy and Helen Hoang for the opportunity to review.
Find/follow me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @JustAbookB or My Blog Page at justanotherbookbitch(dot)com
Michael was mint chocolate chip for her. She could try other flavors, but he’d always be her favorite.
What an original, inspiring, transparent and enlightening read! The fact that this is a debut by Helen Hoang blows my mind! It is seriously good! The writing, plot line, and character development were superb. I loved every word.
‘The Kiss Quotient’ is about a wealthy woman, named Stella Lane, who works as an econometrician. Her mother is pressuring her to find a man, marry and have children. But she struggles in social situations, thus making relationships difficult. Further, sex isn’t something she enjoys nor believes she’s good at. Determined to succeed, she decides to hire an escort to teach her how to have sex.
Girls like me have never been asked out by a single boy. Girls like me have to find their own way, make their own luck. I’ve had to fight for every success in my life, and I’m going to fight for this. I’m going to get good at sex, and then I’ll finally be able to entice the right person into being mine.
Michael Phan’s father left the family with financial difficulties and his mother’s illness has continued to drive the family deeper into debt. Doing everything he can to help out, he works as a tailor at his mother’s dry cleaning store during the day and as an escort on Friday nights. As he struggles to make ends meet, he worries he may one day be like his father. Between his Friday night activities and his father’s legacy, he doesn’t believe he is worthy of anyone.
As her escort, Michael doesn’t rush Stella or push her into sex. Instead, he finds ways to make her relax and learns what she needs. It’s Michael’s kindness, generosity, and understanding that makes Stella yearn for a relationship with him. Michael loves how he feels with Stella. She genuinely likes him for who he is. Both fear how the other will react once their truths are told and both know they will never be the same when it ends.
The raw and transparent way in which Hoang wrote our heroine, Stella, not only brought the character to life but may have dispelled some beliefs about women with autism. At the very least it helped enlighten readers about “high functioning” autism. For Stella, we read about her struggles to be like “everyone else”. From her conversations with others to her obsessions, it was exhausting for her to try and remember what was and what was not socially acceptable to do and say, while also keeping in mind how her words and actions affected others. These are things many of us take for granted.
The honest way in which she wrote Michael’s character reminds us that we all struggle with issues, we all have something we wish was different or that we were better at. These two characters made me think about how easy it is to judge others because they are different or their choices might differ from what we would choose to do. But those differences beg for understanding, not judgment.
A spectacular debut, ‘The Kiss Quotient’ will make you laugh and cry. It will beg you to love your perceived flaws and be understanding of the flaws you perceive in others. Make sure to pack this in your beach bag, ‘The Kiss Quotient’ is the perfect vacation read!
Woman (Stella) with Asperger’s hires a professional escort (Michael) to help her master dating. Will she find the connection she seeks?
At the age of 30, Stella is tired of awkward, short relationships, so she decides to take desperate measures and hire an escort, Michael, to teach her the intricacies and social niceties involved in an intimate relationship. Meanwhile, Michael, like everyone, battles his own problems and insecurities. Can their unique relationship help both of them overcome their fears and anxieties?
Well, wow, the sweet and innocent cover sure was deceiving because the inside was hot and steamy! Think The Rosie Project meets Fifty Shades of Grey (minus the contract, bondage, and S&M haha). Warning: Graphic sex acts and expletives.
This sweet, sexy, and romantic story made me smile! Lastly, it’s worth noting that the author herself is on the spectrum.
I won an advance copy in a BookishFirst giveaway. All opinions are my own.
Location: San Francisco, California
Perfect. This book was honest to goodness PERFECT.
It was genuine, sincere, and had so much heart. I really cannot believe that this is Helen Hoang’s debut novel. I was sucked into this book right from the start and couldn’t get enough.
I absolutely loved Stella and Michael, both individually and together. Their journey was so unique and refreshing. It made me re-examine myself and my own views through a different lens. Though their relationship starts off unconventionally, their chemistry is immediate and only grows as their feelings begin to blur from professional to more. I was so invested in these characters as well as their families. My heart ached for Stella and Michael when they struggled and it rejoiced in their quiet moments and their connection. I loved that they understood each other and truly saw the other for who they really were. Beyond the masks. Beyond the walls. Beyond the labels.
The Kiss Quotient was the perfect blend of swoon and sexy, but it also had just the right amount of heartache. There are obstacles to overcome for both of them, but it made the destination so much more gratifying and fulfilling. The self discovery of both Stella and Michael was a beautiful thing to watch unfold. I also especially loved Michael’s family and Stella’s introduction to the Vietnamese culture. Some of those scenes had me laughing out loud, while others warmed my heart in their familiarity.
Hoang’s writing is so incredibly heartfelt. You can just feel how much she poured her soul into this novel and into Stella on every page. The Author’s Note at the end only confirmed this feeling and gave me deeper insight into the book. I honestly cannot recommend The Kiss Quotient enough and I will be eagerly awaiting Hoang’s next book!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
This was a funny, sweet, enlightening story about a high-functioning autistic woman and a man who sacrifices his own happiness to help his family, and how they fall in love and find acceptance for themselves. I really liked both Stella and Michael’s characters, and Michael’s family was quirky and awesome. Helen Hoang’s writing was great as well. As usual, my one issue with a lot of romance books – this one being no exception – is the completely frustrating and avoidable miscommunications and misconceptions that cause the characters to break up and suffer unnecessarily. I know this is supposed to drive the plot but it drives me nuts – just freaking talk to each other already! But all in all, a nice read.
This book is fun, sexy, and so well done, with unique voices and a dual perspective that really digs deep into two very different minds. It’s exactly the kind of hot romance I love to read and reread on vacation!
This was a very pleasant surprise! I will admit to some skepticism after reading the blurb. Termed as a reversal of “Pretty Woman”, it’s the story of Stella, a wealthy, successful career woman, who while struggling to overcome social/intimate issues due to Asperger’s, hires Michael, a male escort struggling with his own financial/career problems. Yes, while it is fairly predictable, and there are lots of moments, in the end it’s a story about learning to trust and taking the time to look below the surface. Glad I gave this one a chance! 4.5/5 Thanks to BookishFirst for this ARC.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I loved this book! The characters were all really interesting and I enjoyed the plot as well as the fact that the author changed the point of view throughout the story so that sometimes we saw things from Stella’s perspective and sometimes we saw what Michael was thinking. By changing the perspective the readers were able to get to know the main characters better as well as meeting other characters that interacted more with one character than the other. It was really interesting to see how Stella and Michael’s relationship with one another developed as well as how they each worked through their own personal issues through out the story. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Dating’s bad enough, but what if you don’t want to in the first place? What do you do if you don’t want a boyfriend, husband, kids, or even sex? Stella Lane is happy with her life, but her mother isn’t. She wants grandchildren, so tells Stella she needs to get on with finding herself a husband.
Wanting to the right thing, but believing she has something ‘wrong’ with her, Stella sets out to fix herself by hiring a male escort to teach her how to be better at sex. She doesn’t think that her enjoying the act needs to be part of the equation, she just wants to be able to please a man properly. So, thanks to the power of the romance novel, she hires an escort who’s not only the hottest man on the planet, but emotionally intelligent, and able to show Stella just how explosive sex can be.
What I found so beautiful about this book is the way sex is described, along with Stella’s awakening to pleasure at the hands of another. Stella has Aspergers, and wants to hide her condition, but Michael doesn’t notice. All he sees is her, and the need to go slowly with her. The author, Helen Hoang, didn’t know she had Aspergers until she was researching The Kiss Quotient, only receiving a diagnosis when she was thirty-four. I think this is what makes the book so powerful. Helen has said that it was the easiest book to write as everything Stella experiences, she has too. It was an incredible insight into the mind of someone on the autistic spectrum, and how they navigate through an often challenging world of overstimulation and confusing interpersonal relationships. The Kiss Quotient is a beautiful book on every level, and I thoroughly recommend it!
Well, what a delightful read. Sometimes you just have to read something pleasant and predictable. The book is adorable, sexy and honest. How two people, coming from completely different worlds and very different upbringings meet in a very unusual circumstance and fall in love. The problems that they encounter and how they overcome them. The balance between the hero and the heroine was unexpected and the book unputdownable. Their meetings with their families were real and exactly what could and does happen in real life. The cover reflects exactly what the book is about, sweet and to the point. I was given the opportunity to read and review the book for Bookish First and I am so glad. I loved it.
I gave the plot 3 stars., I did like the story plot but it was kind of cliche for me… however, I rated the character development 5 stars! I really love how she represents the heroine who has autism. It changed my perspective on how I see people with the same mental disorder. It is clearly said that that kind of person is still normal but they are just a little extra and it’s in a good way! They are really a very gifted person
I also love how she makes us understand., that people who do prostitution didn’t choose that profession just because they want to or just because they can. I’m not saying that prostitution is a good profession but we don’t know what situation did them to be forced out to take that job. We are not entitled to judge them on what they do for a living because all they wanted is to live normal as we are. We are very fortunate that we are not out of choice nor not the same situation as them.
And lastly, A women’s job is not just for women, there are men who share the same likes and hobbies that mostly for women, and that goes the same for a man’s job to women and of course women are not the only ones who can be spoiled even men deserved to be spoiled too especially when they deserve it
So overall I gave the book 4 stars!
Stella’s parents want her to marry and have babies. Her Asperger’s and lack of interest in the opposite sex doesn’t matter to her parents. At the suggestion that she get good at having sex, she hires an escort to teacher how to get better. Michael (the escort) and Stella come to an agreement and Stella begins to learn. I liked this book, the characters are very likeable. I was immediately drawn in when the audiobook started. This was my first book by Helen Hoang and it was so good. I highly commend this book. I plan to finish this series.
One wouldn’t expect a book with so many explicit sex scenes to ultimately be so sweet, heartfelt, and romantic as this one is.
Stella is well aware that she’s on the autism spectrum and how it makes her supremely good at her economics job. She’s equally aware of the challenges it creates for her personal interactions, all the things that normal humans seem to do effortlessly. Like enjoy parties. Date. Marry. Have families. Even something as simple as coping with disruptions to their routines.
If her mother weren’t pressuring her to choose a husband, and if she weren’t already halfway toward wanting that for herself, she might not have decided to cure her inexperience with sex by hiring an escort to teach her. What follows is a sizzling sweet dance of two imperfect people finding love through the give and take of a consenting-adult sexual relationship that invariably spills over into the rest of their lives. Michael’s multi-generational family shines, and the women teach Stella how to navigate female relationships. This is a sweet, sexy but emotionally satisfying twist on Pretty Woman with a side of While You Were Sleeping.